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- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, cranberries) - 1 cup walnuts, chopped - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup fresh orange juice - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Zest of 1 orange Fruitcake is a blend of many tasty ingredients. First, the dried fruits add sweetness and texture. I love using raisins, currants, apricots, and cranberries. Each fruit gives a unique flavor. Then, we mix in nuts for crunch. Walnuts and pecans are my favorites. They add a rich taste that pairs well with fruit. Next, we have core ingredients. Unsweetened applesauce makes the cake moist. Fresh orange juice brings brightness. The sugars, both brown and granulated, give the cake its sweetness. Softened butter adds richness, while eggs provide structure and help it rise. Finally, we need dry ingredients. All-purpose flour is the base. Baking powder helps the cake rise. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and depth. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors. Lastly, orange zest adds a fresh, fragrant touch. Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to making a delightful Christmas fruitcake! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating and preparing the cake pan: Start by heating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it well. Line the bottom with parchment paper to stop sticking. 2. Creaming butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to mix until light and fluffy for about 3-4 minutes. 3. Incorporating eggs and applesauce: Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Next, stir in unsweetened applesauce and pure vanilla extract until everything blends together nicely. 1. Mixing dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This helps the spices mix evenly for great flavor. 2. Folding wet and dry mixtures: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake may turn out dense. 3. Adding fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter. 1. Pouring batter and baking guidelines: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven. 2. Testing for doneness: Bake for about 60-70 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. 3. Cooling procedures: Once baked, take the cake out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely. To ensure even baking, I recommend these steps: - Oven Thermometer: Check your oven’s temperature with a thermometer. This helps avoid under or over-baking. - Rotate the Pan: Halfway through baking, rotate the cake pan. This ensures even cooking on all sides. - Baking Tools: Use a 9-inch round cake pan. I prefer using a non-stick one for easy removal. A spatula helps spread the batter evenly. Letting the cake rest is key. This allows flavors to mix and deepen. I suggest wrapping the cooled cake in plastic wrap. Leave it at room temperature for a few days. For extra flavor, consider adding: - Spices: A pinch of ground ginger or allspice gives a warm kick. - Fruit Zest: Try adding lemon zest for a bright note. - Liqueurs: A splash of brandy or rum enhances richness. These tips can help you create a festive and flavorful treat that everyone will love during the holidays! Pro Tips Soak Your Fruits: For an even deeper flavor, soak the mixed dried fruits in orange juice or rum for a few hours or overnight before adding them to the batter. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your wet ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise. Prevent Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Storage for Flavor: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dark place for a few days to enhance the flavors before serving. {{image_4}} You can swap some ingredients to make your fruitcake unique. For instance, if you want fresh flavors, try using fresh fruits. Chopped apples or pears can be great choices. They add moisture and a nice texture. You can also use different nuts in your fruitcake. Instead of walnuts or pecans, try almonds or hazelnuts. These nuts bring a different crunch and taste. You can mix and match to find what you like best. If you want gluten-free options, there are simple swaps. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the taste while making it safe for those who cannot have gluten. For vegan variations, replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Applesauce works well here too, as it adds moisture and sweetness. To give your cake a unique flavor, consider adding spices or extracts. Cardamom or ginger can add warmth. You can also use almond or coconut extract for a new twist. Adding liqueurs or alcohol can enhance the flavor even more. Rum or brandy can add depth to your fruitcake. Just a splash will do the trick. The cake will be festive and flavorful, perfect for the holiday season. To keep your fruitcake fresh, store it in a cool, dry place. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container for added protection. - Avoid direct sunlight and heat, which can spoil the cake. - Check it weekly for any signs of mold or spoilage. If you want to save your fruitcake for later, freezing works well. Here are the steps: 1. Wrap the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. 2. Add a Layer: For extra protection, wrap it again in aluminum foil. 3. Label the Bag: Write the date on the wrapping. This helps you remember when you froze it. For thawing, take the cake out of the freezer and leave it at room temperature. This keeps the texture and taste. It’s best to eat it within a few months for optimal flavor. - Do not refreeze once thawed; this can change the cake's texture. How long does homemade fruitcake last? Homemade fruitcake can last for several weeks. If stored properly, it can last up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in a cool, dark place. For even longer storage, consider freezing it. Can I make fruitcake ahead of time? Yes, making fruitcake ahead of time is a great idea! In fact, it often tastes better after resting. You can prepare it a few weeks before Christmas. Just wrap it well and let the flavors blend. What is the best way to serve fruitcake? Serve fruitcake in thin slices. It tastes great on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, add fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Best places to buy classic Christmas fruitcakes You can find classic Christmas fruitcakes at local bakeries, specialty shops, and online. Farmers' markets often have unique options too. Don’t forget to check out gourmet grocery stores. Recommendations for buying high-quality fruitcake Look for fruitcakes made with real fruit and nuts. Check the ingredient list for natural items, avoiding those with artificial flavors. A good fruitcake should have a rich aroma and a moist texture. This blog post covered how to make a delicious fruitcake. We discussed the key ingredients, from dried fruits to nuts, and core elements like applesauce and eggs. The step-by-step guide helped you prepare, mix, and bake your cake. Tips for even baking and unique variations added extra flavor. Remember to store your fruitcake properly for the best taste. With these methods, baking your next fruitcake will be easy and fun. Enjoy sharing your tasty creation with friends and family!

Christmas Cheer Fruitcake

A festive fruitcake filled with mixed dried fruits and nuts, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisin, currants, chopped apricots, and cranberries)
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 unit zest of 1 orange

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate Eggs and Applesauce: Add the large eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the unsweetened applesauce and pure vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This will even out the spices and ensure a consistent flavor throughout the cake.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined – don’t overmix!
  • Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until everything is evenly incorporated into the batter.
  • Prepare for Baking: Pour the completed batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth top.
  • Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Cool the Cake: Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Flavor Enhancement (Optional): For enhanced flavor, once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for a few days at room temperature before serving. This will allow the wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for a few days before serving.
Keyword dessert, fruitcake, holiday